5 of the Most Important STEM Skills
In the classroom, teachers can help their students to develop the valuable, diverse abilities they need to develop passion and interest for STEM fields. But the skills required to succeed in these areas are more versatile than you might think; with everything from soft skills to academic prowess necessary to make the most of what STEM can teach us.
We take a closer look at the specific attributes that are musts to help children succeed in STEM. As well as the reasons behind why these skills are so crucial to providing children with the best possible future, and a more extensive choice of careers. But first, let’s examine precisely what STEM means.
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What is STEM?
STEM is a way of learning and a curriculum that is based on the concept of educating students in four specific fields or disciplines, in order to provide them with opportunities later in life in a range of different careers.
The four disciplines of STEM are:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
These vital skills provide students with the foundation they need to develop proficiency in many technical fields and area; from scientific study to robotics, statistical analysis to hardware development. Since 1990, the amount of people employed in STEM careers has increased by an incredible 79%. The best place to start is by looking at the skills required to succeed in such technical and academically focused markets and industries. After all, it’s not just book learning that provides the insight children need to do better; it’s the soft skills and input from teachers that can make all the difference too.
5 Of The Most Important STEM Skills For Students
1. Problem-Solving
Problem-solving may seem like a valuable skill for any future career or choice or education. But when it comes to STEM, the ability to combine learning with how those solutions can apply to the real world is vital. Problem-solving is a must for many aspects of a wide range of careers and disciplines, but when it comes to industries where solving problems is the entire purpose of the work – such as sciences – that ability to solve problems is even more critical.
Everything can be considered a difficulty that needs solving; having the drive and focus to attempt to resolve issues is a crucial part of the concept of STEM. For students, problem-solving is a must for a lot of their work. Apply those concepts into their more technical projects, and they’re far more likely to connect the dots.
2. The Ability To Argue
We’re not talking about talking back. The ability to debate, or argue, a point, is a valuable part of sciences or technical-based community. STEM can provide the foundations for many careers, but without focus on the ability to think critically or be analytical, those theories can’t be effectively applied. Proving a hypothesis or providing an answer to a question is another vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to STEM, making the ability to argue a point or debate a result an essential part of many careers in mathematics, sciences, or even technology development.
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3. Creative Thinking
Creative skills might be something often considered entirely separate from the realm of STEM, but thinking creatively is a highly-valued skill in many technical careers. It can be easy to take what’s in front of you as fact and find the most practical solution. But the majority of discoveries or inventions are found from working outside the box to create something new, exciting, or interesting.
From smartphones to robotics, equations to scientific discoveries, a little creativity can go a long way. This is especially true when you link creative thinking with social and collaborative skills, providing students with additional tools to help them go the extra mile.
4. Continued Curiosity
Curiosity isn’t a bad thing. Frequently, interest in a subject is what makes us strive to do better and achieve more. This is exactly the same when it comes to STEM fields as any other area of education and industry. With the majority of modern careers lasting two or so years on average, there’s plenty of room to remain curious about what you’re doing. With such a vast range of different sub-sciences, different engineering fields, or versatile mathematical roles to work in, teaching students to be lifelong learners and enthusiastic about what they do should be a key teaching point. By pushing themselves to innovative, learn, and keep curious, STEM students can set themselves up for success in the future from a young age.
5. Greater Flexibility
In the modern world, it’s not very typically that things' standstill. This is especially the case in STEM fields, where new technologies, inventions, and theories can transform the landscape of an industry in a single day. The ability to be flexible is something that will prove incredibly valuable to students if they want to adapt to such a fast-paced market. Not to mention, it provides children with the discipline they need to further their knowledge and improve their skills based on the surrounding environment. In a STEM workplace, that discipline is vital.
With STEM rapidly-growing as one of the largest career markets across the globe, providing your students with the tools and skills they need to succeed is of great importance. For students more technically-inclined, the ability to grow into skills and knowledge that suits them and offers them a different career path can provide them with more chances for success. And for those students less STEM-inclined, the discipline and abilities the field can provide are infinitely transferable across countless industries. Focus on soft skills and practical insight as well as book learning, and success will come easy to your class.
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